Navy Boys Behind the Big Guns eBook

Her commander’s report would be made daily by
wireless to Washington, and the working out of the
new superdreadnaught would be watched by experts with
the keenest anxiety.

There were several points regarding the Kennebunk’s
construction different from any craft that had ever
been built for similar work before; and if these matters
did not prove satisfactory there would be bitter criticism
of the board in charge. This was no time, Congress
would say, for the trial of “new frills.”
The country was at war, and it was believed that all
our first line ships would soon be called into action.
Germany was believed to be in such desperate straits
that it was thought she would venture to send her
fleet to sea after three and a half years of hiding
in the Kiel Canal.

High hopes and some doubt went with the Kennebunk
as she steamed out of the harbor and into the storm.
Not alone were her officers and crew anxious to find
out what she could do. The rulers of the United
States Navy were deeply concerned as well.

CHAPTER XIV

AN UNEXPECTED TARGET

At quarters for muster and inspection that day the
four Navy boys from Seacove were given their numbers
and drill placements. These were, of course,
not permanent assignments. Changes would quickly
be made after the capabilities of the boys were established.
Especially would this be so in assignments of duty
relating to the ship when in action.

The four friends had Mr. MacMasters to say a good
word for them. Their record, too, aboard the
Colodia and with the prize crew on the captured
German raider would be taken into consideration when
permanent appointments were made upon the Kennebunk.

Hans Hertig immediately took his rightful position
as boatswain’s mate. His rating was assured.
But, after all, the apprentice seamen must prove themselves
before the officers of the superdreadnaught were likely
to give them much consideration.

The act of particular courage that had brought Whistler
Morgan into prominence on the submarine chaser the
night before would scarcely be taken public notice
of by Captain Trevor of the Kennebunk until
it was mentioned in orders from Washington. Ensign
MacMasters, however, liked the boy too well not to
take the first opportunity offered him to relate the
happening on the S. P. 888 at officers’ mess.
After this it of course quickly reached the captain’s
ears.

Whistler and Torry immediately put in their claim
for gunnery work. They had studied faithfully
and had had considerable training with the secondary
battery of the Colodia.

“Of course, these huge guns of the Kennebunk
mean something else again,” declared Ikey.
“You fellers have been playin’ with popguns
yet. If you get in a turret gun crew you’ve
got to show ’em.”